I like the best all-around left tackle in football, Jason Peters, to lead the way. Amazing year Peters has had, coming off a 2012 with two torn Achilles tendon surgeries; after the second, he was told he might not play again. That’s why he’s my comeback player of the year. With Peters, left guard Evan Mathis and center Jason Kelce leading the way—all have played an all-pro level this year—Philadelphia has the best left side of the line in football.

Doug Farrar of SI.com with some interesting notes on the Eagles' defense:

Speaking of expired narratives, let’s disabuse ourselves of the notion that the Eagles’ defense is some sort of sieve. It was, but it isn’t any more. From weeks 1 through 9, Philadelphia ranked 30th in FO’s overall defensive metrics, but they’ve jumped up to 12th overall in weeks 10-17. And before you ask about strength of opponent, keep in mind that DVOA (FO’s primary per-play metric) is adjusted for opponent. The strongest improvement has been against the run, where the Eagles have improved from 22nd to fifth.

Drew Brees and Sean Payton and the rest of the Saints have heard it all this week. They can't win on the road. They're bad in cold weather. They can't beat top teams away from the Superdome. They're going to be playing mad and they're going to be playing with a chip on their shoulders. It won't be enough. Philly's flying. The Lincoln Financial crowd will be rocking on Saturday night. I fully expect the Eagles to come out of the gates like they did two weeks ago against the Bears, and ride that momentum to Chip Kelly's first postseason win. Drew Brees will get his, but fellow Westlake High School graduate Nick Foles will get even more.

Say what you will about Philadelphia fans, but the Eagles had zero trouble selling out their playoff game against New Orleans, unlike the other three teams hosting games on wild-card weekend.

There was never a concern the game would be blacked out locally. The Eagles didn't need the NFL to extend the deadline so that they could have their corporate partners jump in and save the day at the last minute.

However, Foles often took shots down the field as well. Foles threw deep (defined as a throw that travels over 15 yards) on 27.4 percent of his passes, which was the highest in the league among qualified starters. Vick was at 31.2 percent in his playing time, so Kelly definitely likes the long ball to go with his strong running game.

The play-action passing game was very beneficial to Foles. He used it on 35.4 percent of his passes (more often than any other starting quarterback in 2013) and only Peyton Manning threw more touchdowns (18) when using play-action than Foles' 15.

Greg A. Bedard of The MMQB writes that the Eagles have six "purple chip" players:

You can make a very convincing argument that no team is executing better on either side of the ball better than the Eagles. And execution overcomes talent you may lack, which the Eagles do on defense. The Saints play well at home, and terribly on the road. If they don’t figure out how to solve that, the Saints will lose in Philadelphia.

Consider that the Saints were probably lucky to win their game against the 49ers at home after that phantom penalty on Ahmad Brooks and likewise lost in the last moments of key road games against the Panthers and Patriots, two of the best teams in football. Those were all games where the outcome, win or loss, massively overstates the difference in play between the two teams. So flip the wins and losses in those games for a second. If the Saints are 7-1 at home (having credited them with a loss for the 49ers game) and 5-3 on the road (having now won the Patriots and Panthers games), are we even having this discussion about their performance on the road? Probably not.

Developing this fleetness of mind was exactly what Foles was doing during those seven weeks he spent as Vick’s backup from August to October. In practice, he’d station himself 10 or so yards behind the line of scrimmage as Vick took his first-team snaps, simulating these reps for himself. Foles had never been in an offense that employed the zone read, so he’d mimic how Vick read, faked or gave the ball. He’d read the defense in real-time and make his own decision, comparing it to the 11- year veteran’s.

And while Vick steered Kelly’s new offense through its first five NFL games, Foles logged each of Vick’s live reps into what he likes to refer to as his mental “database.”

The Saints are the only team in the NFC playoffs ranked in the top­ 10 in the league in both total offense and defense. Yet here they are on the road as an underdog. I think that's a mistake. Yes, the Eagles have done some really good things on offense with Nick Foles, but they finished last in the league in pass defense. Drew Brees and his receivers have to be salivating at the idea of facing that secondary. The Saints have never won a playoff game as a true road team in five tries. That's concerning. So is the fact that they are playing outside. They've struggled at times in the weather with this offense. But I think the fact that the Eagles' defense is so bad against the pass will offset that. I will take Brees over Foles in a shootout. Remember, this is the first postseason game for Foles. That matters.

The Saints’ offense is less prolific on the road, particularly outdoors. But the Eagles won’t bank their game plan on Mother Nature; they’ll bank it on second-year inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks. Though an argument can be made for vastly improved corners Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher and Brandon Boykin, Kendricks has been the most valuable player on a defense that’s held 11 of its last 12 opponents to fewer than 23 points. He is Philly’s top coverage linebacker, which would seemingly make him a key factor against a Saints offense that gets the ball to big-time weapons at tight end (Jimmy Graham) and running back (Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas) using myriad screens and seam patterns. Philly’s defensive coordinator Billy Davis, however, featured Kendricks more as a blitzer down the stretch, with fruitful results.

It's doubtful Philly quarterback Nick Foles will do the Saints any favors this weekend; New Orleans can't count on him to cough up multiple short-field-producing turnovers. And there will be no Superdome crowd to lean on, no screaming masses to slow the Eagles' calls at the line of scrimmage. Drew Brees will have to keep up. I expect both defenses to bring it in this one, which leads us to ...

... Ground Chip: Everyone knows Philly coach Chip Kelly wants to score points, but given how well his offense can run the football, why not do that as much as possible? The Saints allowed 111.6 rushing yards per game and 4.61 yards per carry this season. The Eagles, meanwhile, led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing plays of 10-plus yards, and had the highest percentage of rushing plays that gained 4 yards or more. "Ground Chuck" worked in the 1970s. The Eagles will pound it on Saturday.

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HolidayinCambodia

Bedard lists King Dunlap as a “Purple Chip” player, but doesn’t include Fletcher Cox.

Have we underrated Dunlap? Overrated Cox?

GEAGLE

Clearly we over ratted the coaching Dunlap was getting here…he was horrible while here, and I’m blown away by how well he has played for the chargers…
…
Just another example of what a poorly coached team we were these last few years……at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter because Dunlap was not a stylistic fit for this offense

Dominik

From a statistical standpoint, it really comes down to the Eagles rushing offense vs. the Saints passing offense. Both D’s are bad at defending it, both teams are great at attacking it.

went to get milk out for coffee and cereal, and my only thought as i stared at the beer was ‘it’s too early’…then started doing math as to when it wasnt. might have to spurge, get some guinness for toights game…or just go straight to johnny walker. decisions decisions

GEAGLE

Johnny has a special place in my heart….whenever we win, I celebrate with a nice glass of Johnny Walker blue…
…
Cliff, starting to see a lot of Mocks that have a heavy QB and OT presence in the top 10, with Mack and Barr falling to the 11-14 range.
Top pass rushers, but all the teams that need pass rushers at the top of the draft also have major NEEDS at QB or OT…we have seen that OT is what is really valued these days at the top of the draft, and this is a good OT class….I’m hoping a bunch of OTs and QBs have great showings in the pre draft process…..I saw 3 mocks that had Barr falling to 14….I would trade up to 14 ALL DAY every day, for our very own Von Miller…as long as we could spread out the compensation we owe them over the course of the next two or 3 drafts
Trying to pass the day looking at draft stuff

cliff henny

you see clemson last night? beasley is so overrated, 1 move wonder. looks like mamula running 10 yards behind qb. guess if sammy falls, but i hope he doesnt, guy is scared of contact and he’s lost a step from freshman yr. and boyd, that chicken arm 2/3rd throwing motion, he needs huge throwing lanes. murphy was triple teamed by wisc, so was tough to see what he had, but his speed makes me nervous. those 2 are the ones i’ve seen as olbs being picked around 20-25 where eagles will be, so yeah, package and move up, go wr in 1st olb 2nd, or move down and get another 2nd. jeffcoat looked like a davis guy. texas had him walking the line, and had inside and outside moves, he might be 3rd, probably 2nd. was beating double teams all game too.

GEAGLE

DVR’ed it but I didn’t watch it yet…
…
6’2 235lbs doesn’t sound like our type of OLB…we like them 6’5-6’6 with long arms:
Jeffcoat
Kony Ealy (how did he play last night?)
Trent Murphy, but I need to see his combine first

cliff henny

watched clemson, didnt see much of mizzou. typical game, sweeney can recruit, just cant coach. tigers should have won 63-21or28 based on athletic talent. fun to watch, more fun to watch brother in law get so fustrated. little i’ve seen of ealy, rather go jeffcoat or attaouchi ga-tech, whichever falls. eagles need to focus on the 1 defense that gives them problems, single high man press. imagine getting benjamin in 1st, or resigning healthy mac and landry in 2nd, you and i might be able to play olb if byrd/ward signed as safety. cant wait for tonight, nfl windows are generally very small, but eagles just started to crack their’s.

Media Mike

My favorite place to see positional rankings for the draft is on draft tek.

GEAGLE

If we could get a good pass rusher in round 3, I would go Benjamin and Landry all day in rounds 1 and 2 and become a Juggernaut…friggin Benjamin is a WR in a defensive Ends body lol…Landry would fill our perceived LSU connection..
…
I hear good things about the kid from GT, just haven’t watched him yet

cliff henny

jesus, just look at that list…and it’s not crazy, it’s easily do-able. know some would freak, but get foles some crazy weapons to grow with, shady and jax have 4 great yrs left. i dont think o-line is much of a concern. cbs are great in 4-5th and will have 25m easily to buy some nice fitting free agents. and, in ’15, have another 25m-30m to go out and buy some more. tonight is great, and couldnt be more excited…and it’s only the beginning.

GEAGLE

Yes sir…we really aren’t far away from an EPIC Offensive Juggernaut

nicksaenz1

Benjamin’s awesome. Would love to have him on the runnin killin’ seam routes and occupying safeties for DJax.

Media Mike

If we’re talking college, did you see the scumbag on Ohio State who is from Upper Darby, spurned my Royals to play at bum O’Hara, and then defected from the state of PA to play at OSU? That guy needs a blown out ACL for treason!

GEAGLE

Who is from upper Darby on Ohio state?

Media Mike

Corey “Philly” Brown. Total sellout x 2.

GEAGLE

Lol…shouldn’t be allowed to call himself “philly”

Media Mike

No doubt. And who ditches the Royals to play at O’Hara? And Ohio State over Penn State or Temple? Pure bum.

Rambler

He doesn’t. He actually does not like the nickname “Philly” but there are 2 Corey Browns on the Buckeyes. And someone on the team started calling him that to delineate the two. (Buckeye alum here).

DirtyWaters

A ten win season plus playoff run can get pretty expensive.

GEAGLE

think of all the money I saved last year

DirtyWaters

Here’s to hoping you need a new bottle! Cheers!

GEAGLE

Cheers mate…hopefully I will be sippin some Johnny around midnight puffing on a celebratory Cohiba..
…
Either way, I’ll be DRUNK tonight…just hoping it’s a “happy” drunk, instead of “angry” drunk

nicksaenz1

Cohibas are nice. Have a Park Avenue I’m likely to enjoy as my victory cigar.

GEAGLE

I have 5 cohiba’s left…it would get me thru a magical playoff run and parade day!!….here’s hoping.

nicksaenz1

Love Johnny. Also a big fan of this bottle a friend gifted me, Highland Park. Tastes similar to Johnny.

theycallmerob

good, all you scotch drinkers mean there’s more bourbon for me

nicksaenz1

Love me a nice glass of Angel’s Envy.

cliff henny

taught myself to like jack daniels shots…out of spite since all my friends bought washington apples and swedish fish crappy shots…when my turn came, they knew it was going to be a rough one. jack and dr pepper is too good. straight up stupid sh!t is going to happen when i get into those. and they just get made in bigger and bigger glasses

theycallmerob

sorry cliff, but bringing up Jack- aka Tennesse filth- when discussing bourbon is a crime against humanity. If i wanted to disinfect my bathroom, I’ll use Jack.
NAFTA allowing that tennessee crap (and other non-kentucky spirits) to take the bourbon label was the beginning of the downfall of our great republic.

cliff henny

haha, yeah, remember you dont like it. my issue is, i drink everything like it ice tea. so, luckily, i’ve never gotten a taste for anything but the basement stuff.

nicksaenz1

Watkins killed it last night

Kev_H

I’m looking for a strong pass rush and a few key sacks of Brees as a key to victory.

Pierre Thomas being out and their rookie tackle will be key if we manage to win. Trent Cole is gonna run wild.

GEAGLE

Losing their two best cover players in the heir secondary, Jabari Greer and Vaccarro has really hurt this defense…If they played all season, without those two players, their stats would look much different..
….
Major drop off in coverage between Jabari Greer and Corey White who only has a few weeks worth of experience…Cooper should be able to pick on him..
…
Curtis Lofton literally can’t cover anyone on our offense…
…
And losing Vaccarro! replacing him with a player that’s literally worse than Chung in Roman Harper….has really hurt this defense.
…
Saints defensive stats are worthless because they aren’t anything close to the same defense that they were when they put up those stats…sounds like they need some sports science in their life!

GEAGLE

Would like to see us keep throwing a different Eagle at Armstead..we play so many different fronts, moving everyone around..plus he will have to defend twist and stunts where he has to block the DT that loops around to the outside…
Basically. I want Terron Armstead, in passing situations to face Each Eagle ATleast 3 times. His head will be spinning facing all the stylistically different Eagles. I want him to have to block all these guys in one game:
Cole
Barwin
Graham
Curry
Cox
Ced
…
Each player should get ATleast 3 pass rush attempts matched up with the rookie..

Michael Winter Cho

He’s “the candy bar”!

GEAGLE

YES!!!!!

Media Mike

I said this the other day and I’ll say it again; Pete Prisco sucks at life and is a low-life New Yorker.

Bukester

And I’ve said similar before – next time you read a post or article or blog and its critical of Philly – turn that rock over and you’ll see a smelly New York-based national writer. Frank DeFord, the sonofabitch. Southern CT=Giants fan.

Beastmode

He should be the clean up guy at bukkake porn videos if we are evaluating his journalistic talent.

Media Mike

I wouldn’t demean the work of people starring in those videos by inflicting Prisco on them.

EaglefaninAZ

You’re a fine person. Props.

Media Mike

Thank you. And seriously, Prisco is the worst.

Dr Rick

He is at least consistent. 8^)

Bukester

I’m taking under – I dont think this is going to be a shootout. I think too many underrate the Saints on this site. I get it and love to read it but I think the cold will affect both teams and the outcome will be more like the Giants beating Farvre at Lambeau 6 years ago. Yes, we win but not because we are the better team or the cold – but because its a home game. That’s the deciding factor. 23 – 20, Birds.

Media Mike

I can see a close win, but in no circumstances should a franchise’s first road / cold playoff win come at our expense. F that.

GEAGLE

30-20 eagles

Andy

Well it looks like all the NFL naysayers were right after all. It’s 2014 and Chip Kelly is coaching on Saturday again.

Media Mike

Nice!

addicted2mula

Multiple likes for this

BleedGreenJames

Amazing

NineseveN

Lmao, that’s just awesome.

Scott J

I would double Graham all night. Unfortunately, we don’t have a safety I trust. Nate Allen always seems to be chasing guys into the end zone, and Chung stinks. Hopefully Wolff will play, but it’s hard to trust him since he hasn’t played in a while.

jon h

Wonder if Boykin will see a lot of PT tonight and/or if they shift one of the corners on Graham and treat him like a WR instead of a TE. Have boykin key on another WR or on the RB (since he matches well in size against the Saints’ RBs. Billy will figure it out. And this great Saints D? Is anyone forgetting that their starting secondary will be in street clothes tonight?

GEAGLE

Boykin is probably the only person besides Kendrick that you can ask to cover sproles

Broadcasting Wisdom

There is a common misconception that it is easy to just double team someone to take him out of the game. The most you can do is keep a safety over top to take away the seam route, but then you still have a linebacker trying to cover him for all the 0-10 yard patterns. There’s just no way in today’s NFL for a linebacker to cover an elite tight end with an accurate, smart QB like Brees on those 10 yard patterns – you can take away the in-breaking route or the out-breaking route, but you can’t take away both. In sum, to keep Graham out of the game would require one LB covering his inside routes, one LB covering the outside route, and then a Safety covering the seam. In which case you are going to get gashed in the run/screen game and also vulnerable to Stills over the top or Colston with the deep crossers into the area Graham vacates.

Brees picks apart a zone, so our best bet is to have a LB jam him at the line all day and then hope Nate Allen or Boykin can take away the 15+ yard big plays, and hope Brees/Graham’s timing is off enough to affect to the 0-10 yard patterns.

Media Mike

The Eagles are better, to a man, than the Saints on the pass rush vs. pass block matchups with the exception of Jhari Evans. This needs to be exploited. None of the guys on the Saints have time to burn us if Brees doesn’t have time to throw.

Broadcasting Wisdom

I agree, but I still think the 2-gap system prevents us from ever getting consistent pressure. A worthwhile tradeoff since we can be more effective shutting down the run, but a tradeoff nonetheless because our linemen can’t just shoot gaps and our OLB can’t just sprint around the tackle every play.

Media Mike

I hear you on that early in the game, but because we’ll be scoring at will on a bad Saints road D the boys should be able to pay increasing focus to the pass rush as the game goes on.

Broadcasting Wisdom

Now you’re talkin…

GEAGLE

Really be nice to get out to a lead…saints only scored once on opening possession in the last 11 games…
…
ideally, Saints get the ball first. the cold,rowdy drunken noisy crowded a jacked up eagles defense force a 3 and out…then Our offense blows the doors off of the saints defense to start the game and get us out to an early lead…maintain that lead into half time…get the ball to start the second half,,and go on one of our put your big boy pants on, smash mouth, pound the ball down your throat with unbalanced line, gut check time drives..run down their throat the entire length of the field and into the ENDZONE!..

Ajspennsport

Chip has been deferring a lot. Thoughts? I dont know that I’m a huge fan of that this game. Take the ball, ram it down their gullets and get the fans delirious for that multiple audible Saints O.

Media Mike

I like the defer. If your staff is worth anything you can shut the other bums down at the start of the game and then come out of the halftime and put up a TD on those same bums.

GEAGLE

I think I agree…I mean I always defered so I could get the ball at half in madden for whatever that’s worth jk..
….
I’m a defensive guy, and when we are at home..I have no problem putting our jacked up defense out on the field to start the game knowing how loud the crowd will be at the begginning…getting the ball at halftime is just so valuable whether you are trying to get back in the game or build a lead…..
…
I probably want the ball to start the game so our offense can shut the crowd up when we are playing on the road…But our defense will be foaming at the mouth to start the game, I wouldn’t have a problem differing tonight…i also hope we have the choice of getting the good side of the wind In the 4th quarter, which is pretty damn valuable in a close, outdoor, January playoff night game in cold philly

GEAGLE

We don’t two gap all game…you stand NO chance against a hall of fame QB if you don’t throw everything at him. he can’t know what your defense is doing on every play or your defense is doomed, so you can’t just two gap all day, you have to use every formation in your defensive playbook this week..we don’t two gap on passing downs, we use plenty of 4 man gap shooting lines, and exotic blitzes, stunts…I really like when we blitz the A gap I it’s an ILB or two, while running a twist stunt with Cole crashing inside and agile Cox looping around to the outside…Good luck with that to rookie Armstead!!!!

UncleCarm

They may unleash Curry to shoot the gaps if NO gets one dimensional (passing).

DirtyWaters

Man, can’t believe we have to wait until 8 pm for that pivotal Flyers-Coyote matchup. All eyes in philadelphia will be on Phoenix tonight.

BirdGang

Man u are right. I have no idea what I am going to do until kickoff. But I have been waiting for this day all week!!!

Bren

Pete Prisco has never and will never predict Philly in any sport to win. He’s a typical New Yorker… I’m glad for him that he’s in the media so he still HAS to watch New Yorkless teams in the Super Bowl… in New Jersey!

Media Mike

And hopefully get stabbed by some thug Broncos fan in the parking lot.

Media Mike

Any chance we can get a repeat of the 1995 season wild card blowout win over the Lions today? I’d love to have that type of party in an avalanche of turnovers by the Saints.

Media Mike

My crew is still up in the air for what we’re going to eat for the game today. Any of y’all have any good ideas?

Beastmode

Picas pizza in upper Darby.

GEAGLE

this man KNOWS Pizza!!! Picas is the truth

Media Mike

A possibility because I’ll be traveling back east to view the game today.

Media Mike

I hear a rumor they were packing up and moving west.

Beastmode

Really? Where they going ??

Media Mike

Not sure, it might be an urban legend. That area is pretty much shot, so I wouldn’t blame them.

Beastmode

No doubt!!

GEAGLE

Go beef brisket…just stick in in the oven for a few hours and you are good to go

Media Mike

My buddy has a smoker at his place, so that could happen.

GEAGLE

Hmmmmmm smokers are awesome

theycallmerob

there is no food you should consume tonight that doesn’t come out of that smoker. easy decision

Media Mike

That is some straight up Mr. Spock type logic right there! Well stated.

GEAGLE

I envy people that can get together with all their friends and watch a game..I can’t do it. I need to be alone, in my dark bedroom….Everytime I would watch games with friends! I would miss too much of the game talking to my friends. Never again!!! I can watch others teams play with friends, but not the eagles..I don’t want to be at a bar….when the Eagles play. I need to be alone

GEAGLE

It’s only 9:30, and I was ready for this game to start at 7am…I want to cry lol. This day is just painful…why couldn’t we get the 4pm game? ATleast it should be colder at night..I really don’t know what to do with myself. All I want is to get to 8:30pm….I can’t take this anticipation..killing me

Tom w

Look at our salary cap and draft/free agency. Makes me happy

GEAGLE

Lol I been doing that since 7am…there isn’t a mock or free agent list that I haven’t seen lol

Beastmode

Well, I’ve been doing research on Jen Selter. It’s a great way to pass the time

Beastmode

G_WallyHunter

Lord why doesn’t she work out at my gym, damn
Gracias senor

Beastmode

She must change gyms every week , I mean the staring that must go on!

G_WallyHunter

HAHA ya, has her own gym, I know if she was around me I wouldn’t be doin much

Dave

According to a Delilah’s dancer, the hot chicks work out at gay gyms, where they know they won’t get visually violated throughout their workouts. A pity, really.

Beastmode

Suddenly I’m gay.

GEAGLE

All the eagles cheerleaders have classes and work out at the planet fitness on 21st and pasyunk

nicksaenz1

You mean the LA Fitness

GEAGLE

Yeah, my bad…the one near the models and dunkin donuts

theycallmerob

haha, thanks for making my saturday morning!
she’s ok I guess

Beastmode

Yeah. She’d do in a pinch I suppose

theycallmerob

my plan is to watch the FCS Division I-AA championship at 2 (f*ck towson forever and ever), then pass out from drinking to catch the end of the early game and start drinking for eagles.

Media Mike

I-AA title game isn’t really as good considering Villanova and Delaware aren’t in it. I agree on F Towson, but really F everybody that isn’t Greater Philadelphia Area.

theycallmerob

oh, no doubt. being a U. Del alum, I couldn’t agree more. Missed the ol’ season-ending matchups of Westbrook and our D.
But living in Bmore now, good buddy who was a Tiger (WR, he and I matched up a few times), I’m going with him to be that guy in the Towson bar yelling “screw you tigers”

GEAGLE

I’m seriously going to pick somewhere that’s an hour and a half away, put my dogs in the car and just drive there..then I will be forced to spend another hour and half driving home LOL.that’s 3 hours of sports radio..and then try to kill as many brain cells as I can during the KC game…would love a first round exit for Andy while Chip advances

Media Mike

No, I’m rooting for a Chiefs and Packers win so I can continue the narrative of Smith = winner and Kaep = pop culture construct and bad QB.

GEAGLE

I want all the teams that have experienced Chip Kelly’s Eagles first hand, out of the playoffs…I think when we are hot! teams that face us for the first time will suffer a similar fate as the bears. I don’t want to play any of the teams we already played this year,,so I’m hoping KC,GB,Denver,San Diego get bounced out of the playoffs

DirtyWaters

What years were you there? My roommate was on the OL.

theycallmerob

The flacco years, I transferred as well.

DirtyWaters

Nice. I was there during the Tubby years (that narrows it down). Good times.

GEAGLE

“I’m gonna tell you straight up what it is. he is a rookie. he is a rookie. I’m going to go at him all day with No Mercy. Veteran Defensive end have to take advantage of a rookie” Trent Cole on camera..
…
Normally I hate giving a team bulletin board material! but for some strange reason I just got the chills watching Cole throw down the Gauntlet on Camera!! F them…give them all the bulletin material they want…we are still coming tonight!!! I’m expecting an Extremely Physical Eagles team tonight that’s ready to fight, claw, scratch and find a way to win!!
…
ESPNs shady/Barry sanders segment is awesome

G_WallyHunter

damn ya good points, dream scenario Trent has to draw chips almost every pass play, freeing up an extra hat for us on D, making this #4 offense less potent. For that matchup anyways.

GEAGLE

If Peyton keeps his backs in to block, we have him where we want them. our ILB’s have the green light for Green dog blitzes, When our LBs are covering a back man to man and he stays in to block, they have the green light to blitz, which takes away the extra blocker the offense thought they were getting when they decided to keep the running back in to block

Ajspennsport

Happy game day! Been watching ESPN since 5. They just keep hammering on how Darren Sproles is going to eat our lunch ( while ignoring McCoy, but whatever). Does anyone have any thoughts as to how we contain Sproles? 10hrs and counting…

GEAGLE

Yeah…Kendrick is a BEAST!!

Ajspennsport

As opposed to having MK on Graham? Also, does Pierre Thomas being out effect their blitz pickup? Can’t believe that doesn’t hurt them there.

GEAGLE

Yes..Pierre being out really hurts their blitz pick up, and also makes them predictable..when Sproles is in, we know they are passing, when Ingram is in, we know they are running…
…
I don’t know if we will hold Ingram up, and someone come rip the ball out, or if we are going to put our helmet on the ball and knock it free…but one way or another he is suspect, and we HAVE to make him Fumble today..
…
Deseaen has been dialed in all year, working his ass off, doing it right….is he really going to go all season without returning a punt for a TD..he has been flirting with a few recently, but it would be SOOO big time if Desean picks tonight as the day he finally breaks one
….
I wish we had two Kendricks! but we don’t. Mykal will see plenty of Jimmy Graham, but Barwin with a safety over the top can spell Mykal of some Graham duty, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cary line up on him a few times and try to mimick what aquib Talib did…would love to have Kendricks on Graham all day, but I don’t know anyone else I would be confident seeing matched up with Sproles..maybe Boykin.
…
Dallas scouted us well, and they KNEW not to keep Murry in to block because our ILBs had green light to green dog blitz. they also scouted our screen game really well(Monte is the most familiar with it)…I don’t think a team that’s seeing us the first time can be as prepared as the cowboys were..
…
Rob Ryan is like a riverboat gambler of a DC. He will gamble often to bring pressure…I really like Chips ability to make him pay

GEAGLE

Down vote deez nuts lol

DirtyWaters

Up vote for replying to and down voting your own post.

GEAGLE

Explorer51

Instead of thinking of Graham as a TE, think of him as a big WR (which is how the Saints use him, and word is that’s how he wants to get paid next contract); we’ve been able to handle some of the best bigs in the last month with Fitzgerald and Floyd, C. Johnson, Marshall and Jeffrey, and Bryant all goin’down. That’s a WR Murder’s Row right there. I hope we see Williams or Fletcher on him all night.

Media Mike

He is one silly young man if he thinks the NFL will actually allow him to self-classify as a TE when the tag comes his way.

GEAGLE

If they Allow him to, things could get scary for saints who have to cut guys like will smith because they don’t have a healthy cap situation to begin with. If they designate him as. WR, I could see Graham in a different uniform next year
..
If Howie were to get Chip Kelly Jimmy Graham, lol we would be counting SB trophys..what a pipe dream..then again back in 2004, Terrell Owens was the Jimmy Graham type weapon of the NFL, and we were able to land him…no one hold their breathe please lol

Media Mike

He’ll be designated as a TE, playing for that tag number (a tick shy of $7 mil), or sitting his insubordinate rear end at home. Easy choice Jimmy; ask for the Gronk contract and STFU.

Explorer51

Great read here, if you’re as interested in all these cap machinations as I am; besides, as GEAGLE keeps saying, it’s a long, long day before game time.

“As much as the eagles are worried about Jimmy Graham the saints are every bit as worried about LeSean McCoy”-Herm Edwards

Ajspennsport

Given their lack of coverage speed at LB, they should also worry about DJax’s “ghost” motion becoming a reality. In space around that end, he will kill these backers and Roman freaking Harper.

GEAGLE

True dat

GEAGLE

Weird seeing Marshall Faulk,Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Micheal Irving completely slobber over Chip Kelly’s Eagle offense,,,
..,
FOles is the only NFL QB with a 60% or better completion rating on big plays down field? Yikes! Smell RAIN in tonight’s forecast…but it really should be the shady show, he talked about how you really cement your legacy in nthe playoffs, and you have to think he is really trying to make a statement tonight

GEAGLE

God I hope the browns hire josh MCdaniels lol…they are interviewing him

BlindChow

Then we could all watch Tebow play football again YAY!

GEAGLE

Everyone has to go to PE.com before this game starts and watch the video Eagles unscripted wildcard edition…Kendricks n FOles will get you FIRED UP for TODAY

Philip Soloninka

MK95 looks like he is going to cry throughout the whole thing :/

Tom w

Great call. Great freaking interview by Scott graham. Jesus. That was impressive. Foles is years ahead of others in demeanor and mental makeup. Holy shit. Kendrick’s may be a midget and a little immature but he is a stud. Hopefully he avoids injuries bc his speed is the key.

GEAGLE

Impressive interviews by both…interviewer did an excellent job

Ajspennsport

Okay G, my last rookie question of the day — given that NO is going to crash their DEs to eliminate the backside zone read, do we have the opportunity to run our screens given their linebacker limitatations? Holding my breath until 8:10….

GEAGLE

Yeah Chip is a master at taking advantage of edge aggression/penetration…Rob Ryan gambles a lot to generate pressure, impossible for him to guess right every time, I really expect us to burn them with screens…Dallas was so well prepared, but that’s just because their DC was so experienced against Chip. Dallas shut our scree game down, I doubt that happens again this week..actually. We are peaking right now, so I don’t believe any defensive coordinator who is facing Chip for the first time to be able to ts top us, which is why I hope we win and avoid KC,BG,Demver and San Diego…the first Time a team faces chips offense! I expect us to have a nice advantage.
..
Saints Dline is similar to a Wide 9, in that their ends really just rush up field all game long..i feel like this is the perfect agressive defense to BURN! If we lose tonight, I doubt it will be because we couldn’t score. This isn’t a sound defense that just shuts you down…they have to SCHEME to mask holes and generate pressure, kind of I like us…luckily we have a scheme master of our own on the offensive side

Philip Soloninka

who else keeps coming here and to tommys site to see if anything new is posted to digest?

Tom w

Eagles 34-24. Off player of game Djax. Def player. Trent cole

1) rookie ltackle armstead is raw as hell and playing against a non stop veteran and a d coordinator who throws more fronts and blitzes than anyone. Pressure vs help armstead. Helps us either way — pressure on Brees or man on cox and one less player running a route.

2) no vaccaro replaced by a box safety. Vaccaro did everything for them and allowed them to blitz a lot. Huge huge loss. Harper is a big liability in coverage. Ertz avant need to step up.

3) loss of Jonathan vilma replaced by lofton who is a liability in coverage. So is other ilb.

4) loss of Pierre Thomas — really hurts them three ways — best pass blocker, best runner, best screen receiver and offers scheme flexibility — pass or run w him. Ingram and sproles are one dimensional. Last saints game without Thomas they passed 75 percent of the time. One dimensional. Also will help our pass rush w no Pierre cause sproles is too small.

5) loss of best corner — replaced by an inexperienced kid. Can’t leave him in man or play w cooper. Thus the saints will be forced to play more zone coverage and not drop a safety in the box. Pick your poison. Ryan will load up early in the box and foles must make them pay over the top — hence Djax my player of the game and coop needs a big game.

6). Loss of kicker. Graham is a vet but was out of work for a reason.

7). Liabilities in pass coverage will leave Ryan in a bad spot … He will get greedy and blitz and its game over. Or he will feel the need to load up box to stop shady bc their dline will get dominated against the run like it has all yr. either way nick needs to make it rain.

8). Injuries also leave them w no one to cover McCoy. They will hit him but that slows pass rush.

9) dome teams outside in cold in playoffs 3-22. Big reason for that. No noise to hamper other teams offense. Plus dome teams like saints are finesse teams. Hit them early and often and their wrs will play timid in the seams. Bree’s doesn’t have arm outside to throw outside deep so he hits graham Colston and stills in slot. Need to do what we did all yr — limit big plays. We have historically high toxicity differential w Seahawks for a reason.

11). Pierre injury puts it over the top. Allows cole to pin his ears back all game. All passing in cold conditions equals turnover oppornities. Turnover differential is best indicator of winning probability. We don’t turn the ball over. Bree’s does away from home.

Javi Echie

Preach on brother I couldn’t agree more with this post

OregonDucker

Great post. Chip will eat Ryan alive. Ryan’s aggression will be his downfall.

GEAGLE

Lol I have written those exact words…great minds, kick monkey saints ass alike!!

NOT TODAY Wally!!!!, Season can’t end today, it’s been too magical and it just doesn’t feel like this team is done yet.
..
All week I had to watch the saints! giggle! laugh! play around in all their interviews! now they are a few hours from getting punched in the mouth!! Can’t wait to see our gritty young puppies against their probowl guards..can’t wait to see our hungry veteran Cole against their rookie “fresh fish” Armstead is going to be happy that this is just a game when it’s over and that he isn’t stuck sharing a prison cell being Trent’s B***H!!!!
..
NOT TODAY!! Hope Carolina is watching!!

G_WallyHunter

Didn’t watch any saints player interviews… They were gigglin?
Saw that Tcole interview lol he’s a rookie ill say it again he’s a rookie… Damn please feast Tcole

GEAGLE

Yeah making jokes all week about the weather..did to sit well with me

GEAGLE

That was glorious!!!!
…
forecast: starting around 8:20 the RAIN will start to fall, and Rob Ryan will look a lot like Monte kiffin did the first time he ever faced Kelly..Saints are in trouble, let the massacre begin!!! When the saints come out the tunnel! we should have “the rains of castamere” bumping from the speakers at the Linc…and if you know what I’m talking. Bout, then you sir are one enlightened mofo…

Justin

After much consideration, I’ve decided to stay up to watch this game. I may have to be up at 4:30 tomorrow morning, but I think (and hope) it’s worth it!

Token

Is this even a decision? If you are a fan you dont think twice. Its the playoffs!

Justin

I know, I know. I’m real keen on getting 4 hours of sleep tonight, but I’ll bite the bullet for this team.

cliff henny

i havent slept my normal 6 hrs this week. have to drink bottle of vodka, scotch, 5 xanax’s and a round house kick to the jaw, even then, i’d still get maybe 4 hrs

Crazy Bill

Wow. Ashley Fox had NOTHING relevant to say about the actual game and who may win and who might lose. This actually doesn’t surprise me.

Ajspennsport

I love that she bandwagon jumps today after months of hating and makes a point of mentioning that she had lived here 14 years. Hey Ashley, I’ve lived here 40 years and I have never been a supercilious jerk about our Birds. Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t need your validation. Good point CB.

Token

This is a really tough one for me to pick. My heart says Eagles but my head keeps saying Saints.

I think the cold stuff is overblown.

All I know is they have a elite QB and a damn good coach. They are missing some guys, Vacarro probably hurts the most. Especially against us.

But I dont think you can discount this being Foles first playoff game. Yes last week was basically a playoff game, but its different.

I expect Ryan to blitz a good bit and play pretty simple man coverage. By now we shouild expect this and be able to beat it.

Getting a early lead is crucial.

I guess it comes down to the DL. Cox and those boys are gonna have to have a MUCH better game then last week. I think Cole can do some things today on the edge. But Brees is very good at finding space to throw. They will need the pressure up the gut.

If we can make his day miserable we have a shot. I do not expect us to score a ton of points like im seeing predicted.

24-21 Eagles.

JofreyRice

I think it will be high scoring. Birds are averaging 13 offensive possessions a game. I think they come away with TDs on 5 of those, and add a FG. Don’t think Brees and that offense is going to slowplay the Eagles the way the Chargers did, they’ll be spreading and shredding. I also don’t think Rob’s Defense matches up well with Kelly’s O–he relies on pre-snap disguise, and more exotic looks than Kelly’s going to give them time to check into. I think Brees turns it over at least once; Great, great QB, but will challenge defenses with throws that can be turned into picks.

Train keeps rolling, Birds 38-31 (I HOPE!)

Philip Soloninka

ERMAGHERD WHEN IS 8PM GOING TO ROLL AROUND!?!?!

Ajspennsport

Brother, I hear you.

Ajspennsport

Okay, J Charles has a concussion? Hope that works out and he is okay.

GEAGLE

They have 38pts at half time…think they will be ok lol

GEAGLE

wtf it’s not even 6pm yet, and I’m ready to start hootin n hollerin

Ajspennsport

Answered my own. We are going to screen pass up an down their po’ boy junk tonight.

GEAGLE

FOles just had a focused look on his face warming up…and hell yeah, expect to burn them with our screen game

GEAGLE

Luck two first half INTs….love me some foles

Tom w

Any word on Wolff. Wtf are they waiting for. Chip was on the field at noon for god sake

Trent Richardson is trash, and we will make his Alabama brother, Ingram look just as bad. Colts lucky Donald brown is balling…only Alabama back worth a damn in the playoffs is Lacy
…
Ingram will fumble tonight!

BlindChow

I can’t believe how bad Richardson has been. I wonder what it’s like behind the scenes in Indy. Does their FO openly speak about how badly it appears they were fleeced?

GEAGLE

I’m baffled by it as well….he has been BAD!! Colts should ask for their draft pick back lol

Ajspennsport

My guess is because Lacy was behind Richardson he didnt get so beat up. Saban rides those horses hard and crushes them in SEC battles.

cliff henny

my theory of it cant happen twice, road team winning and luck is a turnover machine, soooo…..

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